Why Visiting Ireland Is Good For Your Soul

Ireland is a contradiction.  It often finds itself the target of various stereotypes on film and television.  At once it is both a country known for its breathtaking landscapes a country divided by its past (and a border) and a place where the locals know how to have fun.

The truth is, it’s all of these things and anyone with a yearning to travel should visit Ireland at least once, you’re guaranteed to feel your spirits lifted by both the place and its people.

The landscape

Whether you are traveling to the Republic of Ireland, or Northern Ireland (part of the UK), you will see some of the most unspoiled and jawdropping landscapes anywhere in the world.  Before you know it you’ll be looking up Irish citizenship of the net. It’s called the Emerald Isle for a reason.

From the Cliffs of Moher to the Giants Causeway, you’ll find scenic road trips, hikes, castles, and stately homes. For those yearning for the water, the amazing lakes of Lough Erne and Lough Leane are unmissable.

For those of you who love Game of Thrones, then you can visit the Mourne Mountains that served as the backdrop for Winterfell and the Dark Hedges, otherwise, know as the Kingsroad. There are also the Cashendun Caves, in which Melisandre does her nefarious deeds and Ballintoy Harbour which was used as the port of the Iron Islands.

The Culture

Alongside a rich cultural heritage, Ireland has also benefitted from a great deal of internal investment into its cultural sectors.

If you’re looking for inspiration, then Dublin hosts TradFest every January, which celebrates traditional music. There’s also the legendary St Patrick’s Day, and where better to experience it than in Dublin.   If you’re visiting in September, try to get to the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival or Dublin’s Fringe Festival.  If you’re looking for a bit of gothic indulgence, there’s also the Bram Stoker festival which happens in October too.

Those looking for gastronomic delights are also well catered for.  Being an island, access to some of the best seafood and shellfish makes for an amazing selection of recipes, from traditional Irish food to modern cuisine.

For those wanting to learn more about Irish culture, there are great places to visit such as the Irish Emigration Museum, you may find an ancestor who left those shares long ago.

The village of Adare on the Aran Islands is also a beautiful example of a traditional village, designated by the Irish government as a heritage town.

The people

Once you’ve visited Ireland, the Irish will hold a special place in your heart forever.  Their hospitality is legendary, and you’ll find they are warm a welcoming to visitors. Don’t underestimate the Irish sense of humor either.

For such a small place, Ireland offers so much.  You’ll never be able to fit in all of the fantastic adventures it has to offer.  Most people who visit Ireland come back time and time again.   It’s easy to see why.